Sun shines on St. Pat's Parade in Worcester

Monday

Mar 11, 2013 at 6:00 AMMar 11, 2013 at 10:30 PM

By Paula J. Owen TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Ann. M. McInerney not only kept pace marching for hours in the 31st annual Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade behind dozens of dancers on a flatbed truck and more than 100 others behind her, she carried her 5-year-old goddaughter part of the way when the child got tired.

With beautiful, sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures Sunday, the snow from the late winter storm lining Park Avenue and other streets along the parade route did little to deter a crowd estimated by organizers at around 60,000 from whooping it up.

There were dozens of floats and marching bands and about 8,000 parade participants, organizers said.

Ms. McInerney, also a basketball coach at the College of the Holy Cross, said the day was special to her family because it helps keep alive the legacy of her sister, Mary B. McInerney-Zona, who founded McInerney School of Irish Step Dance in Worcester. The founder worked as the school's director until she died of breast cancer three years ago at 44.

“It's a very special day and a very emotional day,” Ann McInerney said. “We're trying to keep Mary's legacy going with dancing. It's a great day for us, our family and the dance school, and it's a great thing to do to honor Mary's tradition.”

The dance school has participated in the parade for more than 20 years, she said. Her sister's 12-year-old daughter, Keeley McInerney-Zona, was dancing on the flatbed in the parade while her grandparents Bridey and John McInerney — originally from County Clare in Ireland — watched from the roadside.

“It really means a lot,” Mrs. McInerney, 72, said with an Irish accent. “It is the highlight of our year.”

Shortly after the Irish dancers went by the reviewing stand, the Ancient Order of Hibernians pipe and drum band marched by, playing traditional Irish music.

“This is great,” said Stephen P. Belton, president of AOH Division 36 in Worcester. “It is for everyone — not just the Irish — and we get to show off our culture.”

From bars around Pleasant Street where people were chugging drinks to farther down Park Avenue where the reviewing stand was set up with somewhat tamer spectators, people were donning their best Irish garb and showing their St. Patrick's spirit and pride.

“I did it for a little attention,” he said. He got it. “It was unbelievable — I couldn't believe it. The ladies loved it and people wanted to take lots of pictures.”

His friend, more conventionally dressed, said wearing a gorilla suit was a little too wild for him. “It is awesome — I love it — but I can't do that,” said Jeffrey S. Rudik, 23.

Brittany E. King from Everett was hanging out watching the parade and enjoying some green watermelon Jello shots with seven of her twentysomething college mates from Worcester State University. The women in the group had shamrocks stuck on their cheeks, green beads around their necks and green outfits.

“I'm 90 percent Irish,” Ms. King said. “This is a nice day out to show your Irish pride. Everyone is all over Park Avenue and it's so much fun.”

The women said they all planned to hang out and party after the parade at Ho Toy Luau Restaurant.

Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien was the parade's grand marshal this year and was loving every minute of it.

“This is an absolutely amazing day,” Mr. O'Brien said, taking a short break from his commentary on the floats and marchers as they went by. “The bishop delivered great weather, and Irish eyes are smiling. Honestly, my knees might give out later today, but I'm not giving up until it is over.”

During the parade, he said, there wasn't a soul around who wasn't Irish.

“That's the power of the shillelagh — everyone is Irish,” he joked, waving the shillelagh in his traditional Irish tweed cap.

Spectator Kara L. Ford, 28, who has lived in Worcester all her life, said she remembers watching the parade as a child. “I feel like it would be nice if Worcester could come together more often than just parade day,” Ms. Ford said. “It is like a little Boston here. Why venture out when you have it at home?”

It was Stephanie N. Chase's sixth time watching the parade. This year, she was volunteering with VegWorcester, handing out fliers promoting veganism.

“I like the festivities and the energy,” Ms. Chase said. “It is really fun just to see all the other people. I'm Irish and you see a lot of Irish pride.”

Stephen P. Trainor, chairman of the parade committee, said numbers were down a little this year because of last week's storm, but it was still a great turnout.

“I think we lucked out with two days of beautiful weather,” he said. “Saturday afternoon it melted and the road was clean. That's important for the marchers not to get hurt.”

Those who wanted to see the parade came out early and found places to sit or stand amid snow piles, he said. “Worcester's people are pretty hardy people,” he said. About 70 volunteers help run the parade, he said, and organizers are always looking for new volunteers.

“It's a lot of work all year,” said Pauline M. Rice, a parade volunteer for more than 20 years. “We start planning next year's parade next Wednesday.”

Contact Paula Owen at powen@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @PaulaOwenTG.